The Super Eagles Secure Africa Cup of Nations Last 16 Place Despite Fierce Tunisia Fightback

The three-time champions weathered a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their pool clash in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes left thanks to goals from their attacking trio.

However, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi calmly slotted home in the 87th minute to set up a frantic finale.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with their skipper directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a bobbling volley past the upright.

Clinching Top Spot

The victory ensures that Nigeria, champions of the competition on three past instances, advance to 6 points and are assured first place in Group C with one game left to play.

In the next round, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after playing out a 1-1 draw in the day's other fixture.

The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to Rabat to confront Tanzania.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before opening the scoring on the stroke of the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was extended soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

The number 9 then set up his teammate for the third goal, only for Montassar Talbi to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after consulting the VAR monitor.

Although the defender's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of pulling off a remarkable recovery.

Their fate is still in their control; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the past early elimination that led to his departure.